Programs

BYHA Instructional Programs 2018-19

Learn-to-Skate - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Whether your pre-schooler is getting on the ice for the first time or you're an experienced skater looking for a competitive edge, the professional coaches will tailor a program to help you succeed. Beginners of all disciplines are encouraged though advanced instruction will focus on hockey as opposed to figure skating.

Hockey Programs

6 & Under

6U is the next step for 5-6 year olds (exceptions for stronger 4yo's) with skating experience. 6U is built upon the USA Hockey American Development Model. ADM is a 'station' based format designed for larger groups of players on the ice. ADM practices result in significantly more repetitions and puck touches than traditional practices deliver. More advanced skills are introduced such as forward/backward skating, stick handling, shooting, and ice awareness. Small area games are an integral part of ADM.

Note: The 6U program is designed to be a progressive program to prepare for real game-play. Exceptions can be made depending on how quickly a player advances or if USA Hockey age limitations require a player to move up to the next level. Promotion of a player is decided by the 8U Director and Coaching Staff.

8 & Under

This level of of play is for 7-8 year old boys & girls (exceptions possible for advanced 5/6yo's) is based on the USA Hockey American Development Model with practices focused on proper skill development and repetition of the fundamentals of hockey. At this level, USA Hockey allows for cross-ice games only. The 8U program practices 2x per week on Saturday mornings & Tuesday evenings. Practices are run by the professional staff of Atlantic Coast Hockey. 8U's will typically play 1-2 games per weekend in addition to regular practices. All 8U teams will be coed but we will plan for occasional all girl events/games. Tuition fees include expense of 1 tournament fee. Any additional tournaments attended by teams are additional expense.

Coed Flex Team -New for 2018-19!

This new offering is for 9-10 year old players who are not quite ready for TIV competition but are eager to learn hockey, develop skills, have tons of fun, and play in a learning-focused environment. Our goal is to position all players for success regardless of skill level. We believe our Flex Program will be the perfect fit for newer players, families who enjoy other Winter activities and prefer a lighter commitment, and players aging up but could use another season to prepare for the next level. Teams will practice Thursday eves and Sunday mornings at 6:00. The Flex team will play 12-16 games in the Seacoast Hockey League 10U Silver division. Tuition fees include expense of 1 tournament fee. Any additional tournaments attended by teams are additional expense.

Tier IV Coed 10U, 12U, 14U

These programs share similar program descriptions with advanced, applicable levels of instruction per age group. Each level skates a 22+/- week session with 2x practices per week and a target of 20-24 games. Tuition fees include expense of 1 tournament fee. Any additional tournaments attended by teams are additional expense.

10U: Players begin to learn basic offensive and defensive systems and game situation theories. While progressively developing individual skills, the overall emphasis is to have fun and keep skaters enthusiastic about hockey. Game scores are posted on the website but individual player statistics are not recorded.

12U: Players continue to refine their skills as necessary to perform elements of team play. Slightly more emphasis is placed on systems and players develop specific skills for given positions. This level of play introduces basic body contact skills (proper contact, not body checking).

14U: Players continue to develop individual skills specific to their position while building on conceptual techniques to improve team play. Offensive and defensive tactics and how to handle special situations continue to be built upon.

Tier IV Girls 12U & 14U

12U Girls is offered to birth years 2006-2009. 14U Girls is offered to birth years 2004-2007. Evals took place last March and a 2nd eval will be held mid-October to finalize rosters. Both teams will share same practice schedule.

Tier III Coed 12U & 14U

TIII teams skate a 22+/- week season with 2 practices per week with a target of 32 games (20-24 MEAHA games and 8-12 Seacoast Maroon division games). BYHA TIII tuition fees include 1 tournament fee and MEAHA tourney fee (teams must qualify to be eligible). Any additional tournaments attended by teams are additional expense.

For questions regarding any of our programs, please contact one of our directors listed below: